Wednesday, November 01, 2006

A Monument of Love - Taj Mahal

Anybody will be there who don't like to see this, which is one of the world wonders ?? Nooo, of course. How beautiful it is.. I stay looking at the picture for some time whenever I happen to see it, its to hard for me to take my eyes back from this beauty. What do you think of me if I tell, I also like to make one like this for my love??? ha ha.. please don't misunderstand me, ok ??? .. Its a great gift for love, even if she is alive :-)

Its very tough to explain this with words.. Only thing you can do is go and visit it once.. Anyway I will try to tell something about this, and you will have to wait till I visit it once to hear more...

So what should we call it??? "A Monument of Love" ? or "A Tribute to Beauty" or what ?? hmm u decide .... Its in Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and early 18th centuries, is one and a half hours by express train from New Delhi(Capital of India).

Taj Mahal stands on the bank of River Yamuna, which otherwise serves as a wide moat defending the Great Red Fort of Agra, the center of the Mughal emperors until they moved their capital to Delhi in 1637. It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her husband in Burhanpur in a campaign to crush a rebellion after giving birth to their 14th child. The death so crushed the emperor that all his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months.

When Mumtaz was alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia and it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site. It was designed by the Iranian architect Ustad Isa and it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a "symbol of eternal love".

As a tribute to a beautiful woman and as a monument for enduring love, the Taj reveals its subtleties when one visits it without being in a hurry. The rectangular base of Taj is in itself symbolic of the different sides from which to view a beautiful woman. The main gate is like a veil to a woman’s face which should be lifted delicately, gently and without haste on the wedding night. In indian tradition the veil is lifted gently to reveal the beauty of the bride. As one stands inside the main gate of Taj, his eyes are directed to an arch which frames the Taj.

hmm thats all for now.. now you see this wonder to know the rest.. so you coming with me ??? :P


http://www.angelfire.com/in/myindia/tajmahal.html
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Taj_Mahal.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal
http://www.liveindia.com/tajmahal/

Thursday, October 12, 2006

The Film Maker's Paradise - Hyderabad ,

Ramoji Film City - A wonder land... as you see in the title its a paradise of film makers. I started to enquire about this place after saw the movie "Udayananu Thaaram', in which the Ramoji film studio is presented as a shooting location... I was wondered to see the shooting facilities there, really beautiful and amazing. One of my best friend Ranjith Paul(Kerala) is now at Hyderabad, and you know what he said when Ii asked him about this place...? He said “after going there we can realise that we r stupids ...“ :-D , LOL , I am not going there to see whether I'm a stupid or not :-) or he didn't mean that only stupids will go there. I want to be there, I badly need to see this wonderland !! “Europe, Taj Mahal, Vrindavan, Palace, Railway Station, Police Station, Church, Airport, Radio Station, Gardens ... and many more things are there“, he added.

Can you imagine all these things made in a single area... ?? Hmmm I can't, that's why i decided to go there and see with my own eyes ;) i think a place to live some of your dreams.

now something official : -

The world's largest film studio complex certified by Gunnies world records and one of its kind tourist destinations. This is one of the largest tourist destinations in Asia with spectacular locations, rides, games, shows, exciting attractions, enthralling entertainment, food, shopping, events and unlimited fun.

Ramoji Film City is a one-stop destination for film-makers, providing comprehensive infrastructure and world-class facilities for pre-production, production and post-production.It is the only place where one can walk-in with a script and walk-out with a canned film.

huh !!!!! please wait till I visit this place to hear more about this wonderful Ramoji Film City..:) So what do you think now?? This can't be the paradise of film makers ? :-) ha ha not only for them, but also for tourists :P


http://www.hyderabad-secunderabad.com/travelinformation/ramojifilmcity.htm
http://www.ramojifilmcity.com/flash/film/film_makers_guide.html
http://7wondersofhyderabad.com/rfc/ramoji-film-city/ramoji-film-city.html
http://www.explohyd.com/ramoji.html
http://www.ashextourism.com/hotelsresorts/Andhrapradesh/Ramojifilmcity.htm
http://enl.usc.edu/~krishna/pictures/photos/2003/ramoji/ramoji.html

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Bekal Fort - a Spectacular beach destination

It was my dream since i saw the movie "Bombay" for the first time.. Do you know what did attract me to the fort ??? Its greenery , roaring sea under it, the huge black walls and its loneliness.... and of course that melodious song 'Uyire' and 'Maneesha Koirala' in that blues are still in my heart, waving; like you see below the bekal fort. I badly need to touch and feel each and every corners of this ancient fort.

But you know what people say about this fort????

The 300-year-old Bekal Fort radiates an alluring old world charm, The Enchanting landscapes of beaches, backwaters and hill stations makes one stick to the wonderful place in God's own country, Kerala and The Mesmerizing art forms and the magical traditions too… makes this place a real wonderland.

hmmm lil about it... not my words LOL .. but this is the truth :)

The Bekal fort in Kasargod is an imposing structure standing on a headland that runs into the Arabian sea. Over 300 years old, the fort was built by Shivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. It was occupied by Haider Ali in 1763 AD and later came under British control. Just outside of the fort there is a mosque built by Tippu Sultan. At the entrance is an Anjaneya temple and in the middle is an observation tower. There is a structure from where one can view the sea. There are many underground passages too.

so i`ll be here toooo.... one day :-)


http://www.webindia123.com/monuments/forts/bakel.htm
http://www.bekal.com/
http://www.indiatraveltimes.com/kerala/bekal.html
http://www.backwatersinkerala.com/bekal-beach-holidays.html

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Riding SOLO through the green of the world

Guysss... no words to explain this... I am so thrilled and can't wait to make this dream come true. I went through this road already... but in car.. is that the right way???? noooooo..... you should touch to feel it... i am gonna go for a ride through this jungle...

Riding SOLO in my Royal Enfield through the thick forest in Sholayar.... to Experience the excitement of a rain drenched afternoon and to Enjoy the tranquility of a rainforest dawn, Spot wild boar and elephants. Break twigs underfoot as hornbills waft overhead.

The destination will be Mudis (Valparai) - the place which was my dream from the childhood... one of the hot spots of bio-diversity in the Western Ghats. The unique ecological tract has an undulating topography and diverse climate variations, which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna including many endemic species. Tribals who inhabit the Anamalais form an integral part of this sanctuary. The rich wildlife in this area is one of the major attractions for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike.

A ride through the forest where the valley is impossibly green.

Pamban Bridge - Rameswaram

Hmmm what to say... I notice one thing these days that, whenever i go somewhere there will be a person who is talking about tours and visiting places.. Why soooo?? People know my interest ?

haaa... and this was a suggestion by one of my friend's mom who visited Rameswaram for pilgrimage. She didn't know the name of this bridge. But she was talking about a long bridge which lies like Anaconda...She was so excited when she talked about it.. I think she was not getting words to explain this actually ... so shall we try !!!! :P ..........??? LOL :D not to explain, but to visit the place... feeel the bridge than hear it :)

But ok.. you should know some basic info about this.. Here it is.....

The Pamban Bridge also called Indira Gandhi Bridge lies on the Indian end of the Palk Strait that connects Rameswaram island to mainland India. It actually refers to both the road bridge and the cantilever railway bridge, though primarily it means the latter. It is the longest sea bridge in India at a length of nearly 2.2 km and stands as a fine example of Indian architecture. The bridge was constructed with sufficient elevation and a beautiful scenery of the sea, adjoining Islands and parallel rail bridge below can be viewed from the bridge.

The openable part of the railway bridge (called movable bridge in Civil Engineering terms) is in existence since 1911 and still it is functioning quiet well. It carries meter gauge trains on it, however, recently the Indian Railways are in the process of upgrade it to carry broad gauge trains. Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai - a premier national research laboratory in India, is handling this task.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamban_Bridge

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/photo264290.htm

Wayanad - The Green Paradise of Kerala

I am sad to say that i still didn't visit Wayanad.. which people say "The green paradise of Kerala".
Wayanad is most tourister's dream and I wonder why I haven't been there yet. So this can be my next destination? Ofcourse.... but still I've to wait for some more dayssss... you know why ?

I am not that much adventurous, but yes I am... I like trekking at night to spot some wild animals and staying around the fire in the middle of the forest.. can you imagine spending an entire night in the jungle? Lets have some chicken legs tooo to add some taste :P and what else? To be frank I'm looking for a team for that.. So are you interested?

Now about Wayanad... Its not easy to describe about Wayanad with few words.. you must seee it.. I will share you more about this place once i went there... Now here is a small idea -

Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that have been able to retain its pristine nature. This green paradise is nestled among the mountains of western ghat and is located at a distance of 76 km from the nearest sea-shore of Kozhikode. The leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Bangalore, Coorg and Kannur are around this region.

This district of Kerala offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, an insight into tribal culture evocative of earlier centuries, trekking and other adventure activities, and a variety of remote monuments. The hills, rocks and valleys which give shape to the very unique terrain of Wayanad provide for exceptional adventure experiences. For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Wayanad's wildlife sanctuaries are must visit destinations. Established in the year 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is about 344 sq km in extent. The Sanctuary exists as two bits. Tholpetty, near Mananthavady is contiguous with Nagarhole of Karnataka. The Muthanga-Bathery-Kurichiat ranges are nearer to Sulthan bathery, bordering Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu and Bandipur of Karnataka. Rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological and cultural heritage of the region.

http://www.wayanad.net/
http://www.wyd.kerala.gov.in/intro.htm
http://wayanad.nic.in/
http://www.wayanad.com/

Chikmagalur - Karnataka

It was really unexpected .. i heard the name of this place... hmm yeah now it is in my heart as one of the future destinations... i love the ride through mountain ghat roads, especially during the monsoon and i love the mountain having the misty blanket. See the pic, how beautiful she isss.. but i don't think she is sweet as my favorite munnar. I'm seeking to meet someone who is cute than her... but i don't think there is someone. let's seee.. Did you seee her ever????

okay... some official info about this Chikmagalur

Nestled in the Baba Budan hills, Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full of scenic surprises .hills, valleys, streams and snow-white coffee blossoms. Situated 251 kms from , Chikmagalur is a trekker's delight, with its rugged mountain trails.

The 240km drive from Bangalore to Chikmagalur is an enjoyable one and in fact the route goes along one of my favorite roads in India. The destination is fabulous, especially during the monsoons — gentle hills, coffee plantations, bubbling brooks and impromptu waterfalls, all a part of the environs that surround the little town of Chikmagalur in north-west Karnataka.

This serene town where life goes on in an unhurried manner is ideal for a weekend break, when you’re driving in from Bangalore. If trekking and exploring happen to be your cup of tea (rather coffee), then you’d have enough of little and pleasurable trails to cover over a week.
Though Chikmagalur itself lies in the plains, the surrounding areas are in the Sahyadris or the western ghats and quaint hill stations like Kemmanagundi are a pleasant drive away. With drives that are so good and the views so ethereal, thanks to the clouds and mist that seem to roll in on a whim, Chikmagalur makes for a fabulous getaway during the monsoon season.

http://www.indiacar.com/infobank/drivingdest/drv_july04/index.htm
http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/karnataka/chikmagalur.htm
http://www.chickmagalur.nic.in/